Vehicle Console Bin Mechanism for Direct Intermediate Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead storage compartments in vehicles often get stuck in an intermediate position when larger items are placed inside, requiring users to force the door open or closed, which can lead to damage and preventing direct access from the conversation mirror position.
Innovation Solution
A console with a bin mechanism that allows movement between closed, open, and intermediate positions without first moving through the open position, using a pin and track system to guide the bin's movement, enabling direct access from the mirror position and preventing sticking issues with larger items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is forced open or closed when larger items are placed inside, then access is achieved, but damage may occur to the storage compartment components
Solution Approach 1:
A track mechanism serves as an intermediary between the door and the housing, guiding the door's movement along a predetermined path. The track with its guide pin and engagement features ensures the door moves smoothly through the required trajectory, preventing binding or misalignment that could cause damage when accessing the storage compartment with larger items.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to rotate and translate along a complex track path. The mechanism enables the door to change its position and orientation dynamically, transitioning between closed, intermediate, and fully open states based on user needs, with the ability to open directly from the mirror position.
2Reliability
If the door returns to the mirror position when it cannot close fully, then the door avoids damage, but the storage compartment remains inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The door's movement path is segmented into distinct phases: closed position, intermediate mirror position, and fully open position. The track mechanism creates separate travel paths that allow the door to move directly from the intermediate position to either the closed or fully open position without being constrained to pass through the fully open position to access the mirror.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to rotate and translate along a complex track path. The mechanism enables the door to change its position and orientation dynamically, transitioning between closed, intermediate, and fully open states based on user needs, with the ability to open directly from the mirror position.
Data Source
AI summary
A console for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The console may comprise a base and a storage bin moveable between closed, released, open and intermediate positions. The bin may move from the intermediate position to both the open and closed positions. The bin may move from the intermediate to the closed position without first moving from the intermediate to the open position. The console may comprise a mechanism comprising a pin and a track comprising paths of movement for the pin to guide bin movement from the intermediate to the open and closed positions. The base may comprise a projection and the bin may comprise first and second protrusions or wall segments separated by a gap. The projection may travel through the gap as the bin moves from the intermediate to the open position. The console may comprise an overhead console providing a mirror directed to a rear seat.